Moore gives us a well-researched and comprehensive commentary on the Gospel According to Mark. It’s laid out well with the verses and commentary interspersed, and multitudinous citations. The language, phrasing and structure careens between academia and vernacular. Some readers may get lost in the bounce.

While the author spends time on the difference between a Gospel “of” and a Gospel “according to,” unfortunately I didn’t find a concise, consolidated description of Mark’s (or Peter’s) description of what the Gospel is and isn’t. The description is scattered throughout the commentary. Most of the description relates to the teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. Except for the first, this can’t be the Gospel that Jesus preached. So what is the Good News that Jesus taught? According to Moore, it’s simply, “I’m here. The Kingdom is [now] here and God loves you though the circumstances don’t seem to indicate it, and even if everyone else despise you, lepers and tax collectors and so on.” This might be enough for the Good News, but this message sometimes gets lost in the analysis of verses and passages.

Besides this, I’m not sure why Hodder felt the need to compile new commentaries when there seems to be nothing new in this one that can’t be found in many other commentaries. For example, the usual understanding of Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane is that He wanted to avoid suffering. Most “interpreters”—as does Moore—fail to account for the great brotherly love of family, friends, armed service members who will sacrifice for one another. So wouldn’t Christ follow His own teaching: “No greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15.13). No commentators answer why Christ’s love is less than some of our own flawed, self-centered friends who would sacrifice for us. Nor do many commentators answer what cup Christ wants to “pass from Me.” The most immediate antecedent is the cup of the covenant. Why would Christ pray that the cup of the covenant be taken away? One interpreter has said that the “pass from” is like a river overflowing its banks. Perhaps Christ is praying the covenant overflow and flood the world and His anguish is that He must rely on flawed disciples, like Peter who will deny knowing Him. If there’s to be more commentaries written, let’s explore alternative understandings that are grounded in a holistic perspective and context.

I’m appreciative of the publisher for providing an early copy.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This Bible commentary is dense with information, yet it is not too academic for most readers. It gives detailed explanations of the historical context and the significance of the content in the Book of Mark. The detail, combined with the clarity, is remarkable, but it still seems like a heavy read. Unfortunately, it doesn't make me feel any more motivated to dive into this book of the Bible. Ultimately, I'm still searching for a resource that improves my understanding of the Bible without detracting from my enjoyment of reading the Bible.

Another great book from this series. An excellent introduction situates the gospel securely and highlights some of the key things to keep in mind when reading or studying Mark’s gospel. The excellent knowledge of liturgy and first century growing Christianity and life is a real help in positioning what was happening as Mark was writing the gospel and where the assumptions come from. This grounds the book and rooted me as the early church was established and helped with the understanding of the text.
The author doesn’t make assumptions or take shortcuts, there is a great passage in understanding what messiah will have meant as it was used, as well as an explanation of the use of a lamb in the imagery.
The explanation of the passages is done prosaically, with accuracy of word use but also clearly and for an audience who doesn’t start their reading with a theology degree. Day to day language makes grappling with some of the heavier themes of the good news possible. A situating of the gospel passages in human time is also very helpful to follow the life of Christ in all its glory.

This is much more in-depth than I was expecting! I enjoyed the lengthy introductory section, as it was rich in historical and cultural background for the Gospel. I look forward to referencing this often in the future, as the sections on the passages within Mark are full of valuable inisght and information.

I loved this guide through the gospel of Mark! It was accurate and Biblical, keeping the scripture in context. I loved the exposition, especially in the parts of Mark that are unique to this gospel alone.

If you are looking to get back into your faith, or someone who is already pretty headstrong in their beliefs this is a great book to understanding the books of the bible.